Difference between Insulin and IGF-1

[muhali3]

. Nobody is replying so w/e...

[galaxygirl]

Insulin is a hormone (protein) that is secreted by islet cells in the pancreas in response to an increase in blood sugar levels.

 

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is part of a group of somatomedins that assists in increasing the effects of growth hormones.

[muhali3]

Well, then what is it that makes Insulin-like growth factor "like" insulin.

[jdurg]

I believe because its structure is similar to that of the insulin hormone, but distinctly different enough that it causes completely different responses in the body. A good analogy would be between a realistic looking water pistol and a handgun. They both look quite similar, but their functionality and effect on their surroundings is completely different.